2013: Second-team All-Conference USA pick after playing in and starting 11 of 12 games. Missed final game of season due to a leg injury. 2012: Played in all 12 games and made 10 starts. 2011: Played in all 14 games and made seven starts. 2010: Made Conference USA All-Freshman Team after playing in all 13 games. 2009: Redshirted.

Analysis

Strengths
Flashes shock in his hands. Solid anchor strength. Versatile and lines up all along the front. Flashes speed and short-area burst to flatten down the line and close to the ball. Three-year starter.

Weaknesses
Has short arms and small hands. Could do a better job working off blocks, creating separation and protecting his legs. Tends to wear down and tire late in games and effort wanes. Needs to develop more pass-rush moves -- stays blocked too long. Relies too much on his upper-body strength. Can be late to locate the ball and needs to do a better job of feeling blocking pressure and anticipating. Misses a lot of tackles. Minimal sack production.

Draft Projection
Rounds 5-6
Bottom Line
Has the size, brute strength and enough agility to warrant interest as a developmental, rotational five-technique in an aggressize, zone-blitzing scheme such as the Jets, Ravens or Steelers. Versatility is a plus.

Now some might say this is double jeopardy what with the Pats already drafting Nix in the first round but I have always loved the potential of 3/5 techs in this league and the importance of them value wise in a defense. Wilfork basically controls how the Pats play from a defensive viewpoint. Having a successor or even 2 behind him gives the Pats depth now and value down the road if they develop 2 quality long-term replacements. As for value I think some will be shocked at how early Thornton gets selected in this draft. According to some he's flying up scouts boards at present.

Selection was made at 1-25pm (ET) -- Denver(Mediator) is officially "On The Clock."

WITH THE 207TH SELECTION OF THE 2014 NFL DRAFT,THE DENVER BRONCOS SELECT:

OC/OG JOHN URSCHEL, PENN STATE

"One of the main concerns scouts had for me was whether or not I could play
center, and snap the ball effectively. During my offensive line drills, I played
center exclusively, performing both under-center snaps and shotgun snaps.
By the end of the day, there was no doubt that I could not only play guard,
but center as well".

Worth the 3 minute watch to gain a little insight into this extraordinary young man.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT JOHN URSCHEL:

1. The 6-foot-3, 315-pound guard was an all-Big Ten selection and third-team AP All-American. He has a Master’s degree in math and won the William V. Campbell Trophy as college football’s top scholar-athlete.

2. Penn State offensive lineman John Urschel won the Sullivan Award on Friday night as the country’s top amateur athlete. The football star edged fellow Florida track and field athlete Cory Ann McGee and Nebraska volleyball player Kelsey Robinson for the award presented by the Amateur Athletic Union.

3. Has 4 Math thesis papers published at the age of 22.

URSCHEL ON CHOOSING FOOTBALL OVER ACADEMICS:

In response to the following question of whether the former Penn State right guard was more interested in a career in math or one as a professional football player, Urschel replied, "In my humble opinion when I sit down with coaches and scouts they see immediately that I’m serious about football, that I love the game and this is my No. 1 priority. And I think that becomes immediately obvious.”

Urschel said he tries to model his game after New England Patriots guard Logan Mankins. Mankins is someone whom Bill O’Brien had Urschel watch film on during his Penn State playing career. The fact that the 10 year NFL veteran “plays with a mean streak” appeals to the NFL hopeful who says he’s willing to line up at right guard, left guard or center. “I’m an aggressive guy,” Urschel said. “I like getting after defensive linemen. That’s why I play the game. I love hitting people.”

"Urschel could play either right or left guard and could garner interest at center too. Center is a position that would allow his football IQ to continue to take over as he learns more about protections and blocking schemes."

In pass protection he can set quickly and use his hands. He gets his hands out on his opponent very quickly and can keep them inside. He plays with bend and shows adequate anchor. His best chance to contribute early at the next level would be to learn the center position and be able to play both center and guard. He has a center’s type of body and that may eventually be his best position in the NFL.

Strengths: Highly intelligent -- will be successful with or without football. Engages quickly. Good leverage, balance and body control. Works his feet and hips to position and seal. Can pull and trap and work up to the second level very quickly. Protects with awareness. Shuffles, slides and mirrors. Three-year starter. Team captain. Sparkling intangibles. Well-versed in a pro-style offense having played for newly minted Texans coach Bill O'Brien. Displays the quickness highly desired at the pivot and might prove to be best at center.

We'll have to see what GM Mediator has in mind, but it appears Urschel might be the long term solution at OC for the Broncos with Su'a-Filo penciled in at LG. If not, Urschel projects as an excellent interior reserve that can play any of the three positions. His intelligence is his calling card, and if he's asked to make the line calls and lead the O-line, I'm sure he'll do so without a hitch. This is a really nice selection combining team need and draft value.

Pick made on behalf of Mediator, who is out coaching, at 2:51 EST. The New York Jets and Conklin are on the clock!

With the 208 pick in the Mock Draft, the New York Jets Select Kadeem Edwards, G, Tennessee State

Overview

Started in 40 of 43 games played. Was a two-time first-team All-OVC pick (2012-13). 2013: Played in 13 games and started 10. 2012: Started all 11 games. 2011: Second-team All-OVC pick. Played in and started 10 games. 2010: Played in 10 games and made nine starts.

Analysis

Strengths

Outstanding size -- built low to the ground with a thick trunk and vines for arms (big wingspan). Generates movement in the run game and seeks to bury defenders. Surprising balance and straight-line foot speed -- steps to the second level easily. Has crude tools to work with. Motivated and coachable.
Weaknesses

Could stand to shed some bad weight. Gets lax with his technique. Needs to play with more consistent pad level. Needs to work on a more efficient short punch. Lets his feet stall. Thick, tight hips -- struggles to maneuver and snap is limited. Is not sudden or explosive -- more push than pop. Lets defenders cross his face. Intermittent urgency. Does not dominate physically inferior competition.
write up coming shortly

With the 209th pick in the Mock Draft, the New York Jets select Khairi Fortt, ILB, California

write up coming shortly

2013: Butkus Award semifinalist started in nine of 11 games played. Missed the last three games of season with a biceps injury. 2012: Redshirted due to knee surgery after transferring from Penn State. Had knee surgery prior to the 2012 season. Actually tore the ligament in ninth grade, but didn't become a problem until early 2012. 2011: Played in 13 games, but started none, for Penn State. 2010: Played in nine games and started one for Penn State.
Strengths

Good size with a muscular build. Field fast -- moves like a safety. Very athletic and agile. Plays on his feet and bends naturally. Excellent lateral agility -- flows smoothly and has sideline-to-sideline range. Uses his arms like flippers to play off blocks. Loose-hipped to drop into coverage and match with backs and tight ends. Has traits to excel on special teams.

Weaknesses

Frame is nearly maxed out. Very average key-and-diagnose skills slow his play speed. Does not always trust what he sees -- takes false steps and hesitates to trigger. Inconsistent run fits and field leverage. Can be stronger at the point of attack. Did not make enough splash plays. Has underachiever traits. Motivation and durability should be looked into.

with the 210th pick in the Mock Draft, the New York Jets select TJ Jones, WR, Notre Dame

write up coming shortly

2013: FBS All-Independent Team. Played in all 13 games with 7 starts. Five 100-yard games in 2013 (none in first 3 seasons). Led team in all major receiving categories. Had a TD in 7 straight games. 9 receptions, 94 yards, 1 TD at Michigan. 2012: FBS All-Independent Team. Played in all 13 games with 11 starts. 7 receptions for 90 yards vs. Alabama in BCS National Championship. 2011: Played in all 13 games with 12 starts. 2010: Played in 12 games with 7 starts. Missed Utah game with hamstring injury. 3 receptions for 73 yards, TD vs. Michigan. High School: As senior, finished with 76 receptions for 1,399 yards and 18 TDs. SuperPrep All-American in Georgia.

Strengths

Fluid movement with good balance and body control. Releases cleanly and accelerates off the line. Excellent route runner. Sinks his hips and gets in and out of cuts cleanly to create separation. Adjusts to throws and has soft, reliable hands. Exhibits field awareness and is quarterback friendly. Quick and slippery after the catch. Comes from football family. Durable and experienced. Mature, likeable, intelligent team captain.
Weaknesses

Could stand to add some body armor and improve functional strength. Average physicality. Lacks elite top-end speed. Not exceptionally explosive, nor is he a go-up-and-get-it guy. Limited kick-return experience.

pick made at 1:01 PM Mountain Time, 24champ and the Houston Texans are now on the clock

STRENGTHS : Good athletic ability and acceleration. Can run with tight ends in coverage. Good pursuit effort -- chases hard and flattens down the line. Productive three-year starter.

WEAKNESSES: Small hands. Limited core strength and knockback power. Not stout. Unrefined hand use. Does not have a plan as a pass rusher.

DRAFT PROJECTION Priority free agent

BOTTOM LINE Athletic, productive, raw rush linebacker prospect who could also be tried as a Sam linebacker. Needs to develop more core strength, improve technically and make his mark on special teams to warrant developmental consideration. (NFL)

Career Statistics2010: 12/12 games started2011: 13/13 games started, All-WAC first team selection2012: 13/13 games started, All-WAC first team selection2013: 13/13 games started, All-MWC first team selection

Analysis/Breakdown (from NFL.com)STRENGTHS: Excellent size -- sheer mass to wall off. Generally holds his ground. Can sit and anchor and replace his hands. Good awareness. Consistent gun snaps. Was a rock for the Aggies -- started 51 career games.

WEAKNESSES: Has short arms and struggles to sustain. Not explosive or powerful. Very average athleticism and flexibility to maneuver and torque. Limited lateral quickness to slide and recover. Too easily tossed aside and cannot recover. Slow-footed -- struggles to cut off fast flowing linebackers. Not a nasty mauler.

BOTTOM LINE: Big, experienced, wall-off zone blocker with a ceiling as a serviceble starter, though questionable versatility detracts from his appeal in a league offering few center-only spots. Has to be a masterful technician given his short arms and pedestrian athleticism.

Rationale for the pick from BowlenBall:
Yes, it's true that the Steelers currently have an all-pro center in Maurkice Pouncey. However, he's been an uncomfortable character risk for them the past few years (he was a running buddy of Aaron Hernandez since their college days), he's coming off of a season-ending knee injury, and he's entering a contract year. The Steelers will be very uncomfortable awarding any player Alex Mack-type money ($42 million over 5 years), much less a center with so many question marks.
Worst case is that Larsen provides depth at the interior line spots for the next few years, and gives the Steelers some leverage and options in contract talks with Pouncey. Best case is that he makes Pouncey and his enormous contract unnecessary in 2015.

Analysis:
Second team all-conference, 60 tackles (10 for loss), 3 sacks in 2013. Senior Bowl Invite. Four-year starter who was a team captain and MVP in 2013. Productive for an interior lineman, collecting 60 tackles. A power, slant and angle player who is effective from tackle to tackle. Tough guy that can play injured. Has the size to stay in and stack the running lanes. Uses his arms and legs well to leverage blocks. Will push and shove to close creases. Not content to stay on the line of scrimmage. Plays high and can be driven out of the hole. Question balance and interior agility. Must bend to anchor versus power. Needs more pass rush moves than a bull rush.

With their final section in the 7th round (221) the Tampa bay Buccaneers select:

Cornelius (Luke) Lucas, OT, Kansas State, 6'-8" 316 lbs.

STRENGTHS: Lucas is a large human being with a naturally wide base and an engulfing wingspan to eat up rushers off the snap. Lucas works hard to gain correct positioning and win with angles, staying balanced and patient with good reaction quickness to trust his eyes and quickly adjust. Really benefits from his aggressive mean streak.

Analysis: He is much more athletic than most his size, but he still plays like a tight and needs to show more natural knee bend, struggling with leverage. Lucas also needs to refine his hand use to better land his jabs and control defenders.

--Dane Brugler

Player Overview
Lucas committed out of high school to the Wildcats over hometown Tulane. He saw little playing time as a freshman and sophomore, admittedly because his heart wasn't fully into it.

But when the opportunity opened in 2012 to compete for a starting job, the "light finally turned on for him," according to offensive coordinator Dana Dimel, and he rose to the occasion, earning the left tackle job and starting every game.

Lucas earned All-Big 12 First Team honors by the coaches after his junior season and emerged as one of the top linemen in the conference and arguably their most attractive NFL prospect. As long as he stays motivated, Lucas is an intriguing NFL prospect and a player that grows on you the more you watch him. (8/30/13)

Overview

Started in 26 of 50 career games played. 2013: Honorable mention All-Big 12 pick after starting all 13 games at left tackle. 2012: First-team All-Big 12 pick after starting all 13 games at left tackle. 2011: Played in 12 games; also played special teams. 2010: Played in 12 games; also played special teams. 2009: Redshirted.

Strengths

Rare length (body and arms) with a wingspan of a small aircraft. Fairly light on his feet for as big as he is and overall length allows him to recover to inside counters.

Weaknesses

Thin-framed. Lacks weight-room and functional football-playing strength. Not stout at the point of attack. Plays too upright and is not a natural knee bender. Not explosive and does not generate power through his lower body. Marginal finisher. Struggles to cut off the wide rush. Just a two-year starter.

Draft Projection

Rounds 6-7

Bottom Line

Exceptionally sized, underpowered, developmental positional wall-off blocker lacking ideal foot quickness to handle edge speed and the grit and toughness desired to match up vs. power. Needs to spend more time in the weight room and develop his core strength. Could be most ideally suited for a swing-backup-tackle role and has upside to be groomed, with traits better suited for the right side. -Nolan Nawrocki

Pick made at 11:25 am EST Jacksonville (Colorado Buff) is on the clock.

Second quarterback in school history with multiple 3,000-yard seasons. 2013: Third-team All-ACC pick after starting all 13 games. 2012: Started all 12 games, an set a school record with 3,415 yards of total offense, eclipsing a mark previously set by Bernie Kosar (3,412) in 1984. 2011: Played in five games and starting one. 2010: Played in six game and started the final four.

Analysis

Strengths Very good arm strength and athletic ability. Can move around the pocket and buy a second chance. Throws with velocity and can rifle the ball into tight spots. Can drill back-shoulder throws. Can adapt his arm and throwing platform and release it from a variety of angles under duress with ease. Has natural leadership traits.

Weaknesses Average overall size with a relatively thin build. Sporadic accuracy. Sprays the ball and struggles to hit receivers in stride (best with stationary targets). Does not throw his receivers open. Marginal timing, anticipation and rhythm. Struggles to handle pressure and presses to create plays -- eyes drop to the rush very quickly and vacates the pocket prematurely. Makes too many head-scratching decisions. Birddogs his primary target and will force the ball. Career 57.7 completion percentage is indicative of accuracy at all layers even with a clean pocket. Makes his receivers consistently work for the ball.

Draft Projection Rounds 4-5

Bottom Line Will tease evaluators with his arm and athletic talent, but has yet to prove he can throw with the precision needed to sustain a starting job in the pros. Has clear starting-caliber traits, but is still learning what it takes to direct an offense and make good decisions and is still very much a work in progress. Has talent worth molding in a backup role and will pique the interest of QB coaches who work him out in the spring and view his raw tools. Will require a strong offensive line and a full supporting cast of weapons to function in a starting role.

Lorenzo Taliaferrohas had an impressive year at Coastal Carolina after starting his career at Lackawanna Junior College in Pennsylvania. After playing in parts of 12 games as a junior, Taliaferro became the featured running back in the Chanticleers offense and was dominant in the Big South Conference, winning the Big South Offensive Player of the Year 5 times. Overall, he had 9 100 yard games on the ground and caught 23 passes enabling him to score a total of 29 touchdowns on the season.

Taliferro is a talented back that can help as a blocker and receiver in addition to a runner. He will have to keep working to shed the label of dominating lower level college players, though he may have helped his case when he attended the Reese’s Senior Bowl. Taliaferro warrants a third day pick and could be a huge asset to a group of backs with the potential to be a lead back.

Vitals & Build

Taliaferro measured 6’ 229lbs at the scouting combine with 33” arms and 8 3/8” hands. He has a big, strong build for the position and certainly looks the part. His speed is solid but, he shows pretty good quickness and body control. His functional strength and feet stand out as well as his balance and fluidity. Taliaferro looks NFL ready as an athlete now, but he could still continue to get stronger and fill out his frame more if he can maintain his athleticism.

Running Style

Taliferro tends to run a little tall when he is not expecting contact and with his height, it makes it more difficult. He is not a power back; rather a more balanced runner, but he still does his best work between the tackles.

Taliferro likes to stretch carries out wide but his long speed is not great and he can be indecisive in how he wants to attack defenders and slow down or stop his progress. He is better when he attacks the middle of the field and it naturally has him end up outside as he goes up the field. Taliaferro’s vision is solid but has not really stood out, save a few examples.

When he gets the ball, Taliaferro can win in a few different ways. He can use quickness, usually in the form of quick or jump cuts or he can get behind his pads and go with power. The times Taliaferro anticipates contact, he can put his shoulder down and drive through opponents or overpower them and keep running. His balance and the angle he can run make it so he can absorb contact well and allow him to continue running down the field. There are numerous examples where he is a load to bring down is able to keep fighting and gaining yardage as opponents are unable to tackle him.

Taliaferro is also able to put his foot in the ground and make quick moves in small areas. He is surprisingly nimble and can get skinny in crowded areas, able to find his way through and work through the pile.

In terms of body control, Taliaferro is really good when it comes to regaining or maintaining his balance and his direction, making it so he can adjust on the fly and continue gaining yards. He is also impressive with how he is able to corner, maneuver his body and maintain his speed.

Taliaferro has been able to do a nice job when it comes to short yardage and the goal line. While he can occasionally make some long runs, he is more likely the type of runner who is going to be somewhat of a plodder, who can get consistent yardage but is not a huge threat to gain large swaths of yardage.

Route Running & Technique

Taliaferro is a pretty accomplished route runner. From release routes to attacking the flats, Taliaferro does a good job of planting his foot in the ground, pushing off and gaining separation from the opponent. On hitch type routes, he is good when it comes to attacking at the opponent, sticking his foot in the ground and flipping back to the quarterback.

Taliaferro shows a good amount of polish as a route runner and should be able to transition to the NFL in that area well. Though he is a bigger back that does his damage between the tackles as a runner, the Chanticleers would throw passes to him to get him space and allow him to make plays against smaller defenders.

Hands

Taliaferro is a solid hands catcher who is not afraid to snag the ball cleanly out of the air. Most of the catches he has tend to come from turning his body back to the ball, but he does catch well on the move and shows a solid catch radius. Taliaferro is above average in that area and while he has not shown to be spectacular, he should be fine in catching passes out of the backfield despite small hands. When he is expecting to get hit, he will use his body to help insure the catch.

Blocking

Taliferro has shown the ability to be a good blocker. He does an excellent job of chipping on his way out and into release routes. He is able to be an effective pass blocker but will occasionally get in trouble with lunging, at least on the game tape. In drills at the Senior Bowl, Taliferro was outstanding and as good as anyone there in terms of his ability to slide and protect with good strength and power.

If he can carry that over to the NFL, he should be able to step in immediately and pass protect. He gains ground, slides and mirrors well and has a good base and power to jolt the opponent.

Taliferro has experience as a lead blocker, but he tends to try to cut opponents and is not patient when it comes to launching. He tends to go too early and just end up on the ground in front of the opponent rather than actually blocking them.

System Fit

Taliaferro has a ton of experience working from a split back in the shotgun, so he should be able to play in a single back system without issue. He could get accustomed to running behind a fullback, but he is best utilized between the tackles. His vision appears good enough that he could play in a zone type scheme or power scheme.

It is also possible that Taliaferro could be a situational lead blocker and fullback for a team because of his size, strength and experience with blocking. He needs to get better as a lead blocker but his ability to catch passes out of the backfield would not hurt him either.

NFL Comparison

Taliaferro is somewhat similar to Khiry Robinson of the New Orleans Saints. Robinson played at an even smaller school in West Texas A&M than Taliaferro did and he went undrafted, which does not seem likely with Taliaferro. Nevertheless, both have a good amount of size while being a pretty good all-around athlete who could help in a number of different facets of the game.

Draft Projection

Lorenzo Taliaferro has a good overall skillset and physical build. The only thing that is really hurting Taliaferro is the competition he played against and the fact he only had one big season at Coastal Carolina. Nevertheless, he has shown he can run, catch and block for a team and should be able to contribute in the NFL. As a result, Taliaferro warrants a third day pick and could be a player that significantly outperforms his draft status.